Sept. 24, 2024: Volleyball Canada is pleased to announce that it has renewed its partnership with Volleyball BC and the Richmond Olympic Oval to maintain its Women’s Training Centre (Indoor) in Richmond B.C.

The Oval is the base for women’s national activities, from the National Excellence Program for high-school aged athletes through to the senior program building toward the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

"The Richmond Olympic Oval has been a great base from which we have been able to build our Women’s National Team Program and climb the world rankings to the current number eight. Not only has it been an ideal high-performance training centre for our senior national team but it has also been the daily training environment for our National Excellence Program and NextGen Program," said Volleyball Canada’s women’s head coach Shannon Winzer.

"Having all of our programs under one roof has allowed for consistent implementation of high-performance standards, greater program alignment and connection between the young athletes aspiring to play for Canada on the world stage and those that already do!"

The women’s team has called the Oval home since 2017. The agreement is now in effect until December 31, 2028 with a mid-term review to take place in 2026. 

"The Richmond Olympic Oval is thrilled to continue its partnership with Volleyball Canada in supporting the development of Canadian female athletes," said Gerry De Cicco, managing director of the Oval. "Since 2010, the Oval has collaborated with Volleyball BC and Volleyball Canada to provide athletes with increased opportunities to learn, train, and compete. This partnership serves to inspire local Richmond youth to participate in sport and create additional sport hosting opportunities that positively impact Richmond's economy. The Oval is so proud to be the home of the Senior National Team with the goal of cheering them on at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games."

Volleyball BC President Doramy Ehling said: "Volleyball BC is excited to continue with our partnership with Volleyball Canada and the Richmond Olympic Oval to support the Women’s Training Centre. Having National Team athletes and coaches here in British Columbia is a unique and highly beneficial opportunity. We are committed to working with the team to create opportunities for our members and the wider BC community to learn, watch, and be inspired by high performance volleyball."

Originally used as a Vancouver 2010 Olympic venue, the Richmond Olympic Oval is an indoor multi-sport arena and fitness facility for members and visitors at any fitness level.

Photo: Courtesy Richmond Olympic Oval

Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676